Fire chiefs also praised the conduct of 16-year-old Sophie Hall, who called the emergency services after seeing the fire on her way to school.

The fire at a house in High Lane, Chell, was started after embers from an open fire ignited clothing left nearby (Image: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Station manager Dave Steele said: “It is really important not to leave anything flammable too close to any kind of heat source whether that be electrical heaters or open fires. If the occupiers had a fire guard in place it is unlikely this fire would have started.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms as the residents did not have any in their property. In fact, the occupier only realised there was a fire when the front window exploded.

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“Fortunately she was able to evacuate the building and was not injured which could easily have been the case.

“There is serious damage to the property and it is doubtful the family will be back in their home in time for Christmas. If the house was fitted with smoke alarms we would have been alerted to this incident much sooner.

Firefighters at the scene of the fire

“Please ensure you have guards in front of your open fires, don’t leave anything combustible near to any heat source and make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your property.”

Fire crews from Hanley, Newcastle and Sandyford, accompanied by police and ambulance, arrived at the scene shortly after 8am. High Lane was closed to traffic until 11am while firefighters dealt with the incident.

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Following the incident the fire service contacted Ormiston Horizon Academy to praise the actions of pupil Sophie, who called emergency services to the scene.

Firefighters outside the house following the fire on High Lane in Chell

Dawn Dooley, the school’s Head of Year 11, said: “There was a small group of students that were first on the scene as they walked to school and Sophie called the emergency services. Afterwards the duty fire inspector called us to commend her initiative and calm conduct.

“The call and information provided by Sophie helped fire crews attend quickly and efficiently. The inspector commented that Sophie’s calm and clear instructions defied her age. We are really proud of her.”